A comprehensive travel guide for Rajasthan
and its various tourist destinations such as Jaipur,
Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Ajmer & Bikaner

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer the golden beauty, etched in yellow sandstone. Perched atop the
Trikuta Hill, it stands tall against miles of gleaming sand. Epitomising the
desolate, awesome charm of the desert.

Jaisalmer, the city of the golden fort is a fantasy in yellow sandstone in the
heart of the Thar Desert. The city was founded in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti
Rajput King.

Legend has it, that Lord Krishna the head of Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a
remote descendent of Yadav Clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill.
His prophecy was fulfilled, when in 1156 AD Rawal Jaisal, a descendant of Yadav
Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, founded the city of Jaisalmer.

This amber-hued city, in the heart of the desert, dazzles gloriously in the
early morning. The sunset has a peculiar glow here. As the night descends, the
sky goes up in flames, which fade leaving a few embers, till it becomes black. A
breathtaking sight indeed!

Jaisalmer is famous for cobbled streets, strewn with palaces, forts, temples and
havelis. Every house, here, is exquisitely carved, having filigreed work all
over. These houses date back to 12th 15th century. And hence Jaisalmer is called
'the Museum city'.

Filled with colour, festivity and smiles, Jaisalmer is truly a memorable
experience across the shimmering sands.

Transportation

Air: The nearest airport is Jodhpur (285 km)

Rail: Jaisalmer is connected with Jodhpur by night train service.

Road: Well connected by road with all the major cities of India. Direct
bus services to Udaipur, Mount Abu, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Barmer, Ajmer and Jaipur.
Ahmedabad and Bhuj (Gujarat),

What to see

Jaisalmer Fort :Renew yourself amid the past galore, as you visit the commanding
Jaisalmer Fort. The fort stands guard over the desertscape from its 250 feet
high perch on the hill with its wall following the contours of the hills.
Gadsisar Lake :A rain water lake, adorned with an arched gateway. Many small
shrines and temples are festooned a11 around the lake. Today, it is an ideal
picnic spot, famous for boating.
Salim Singh-ki-Haveli : Witness the legendary architectural wealth of Jaisalmer
at Salim Singh's haveli, truly unsurpassed in splendor. Of particular note are
the blue roof and rows of peacocks below the arched balconies. The haveli was
once the residence of the Mohta family, ministers of Jaisalmer rulers.
Patwon-ki-Haveli : It is the grandest mansion in Jaisalmer, not to be missed at
all. This five haveli wonder has its ceiling supported by exquisitely carved
pillars and its delicately chiselled balconies surely leave you mesmerized.
Nathmalji-ki-Haveli : This haveli was carved by two brothers. One worked on
right side and the other on left, but the harmony in design exists still.
Screened windows, projected balconies and intricate carvings illustrate superb
craftsmanship.
Jain Temples : Within the citadel are the splendorous Jain temples, dedicated to
Rishabdevji, Sambhavnathji and Parshvanathji.